Side stretch works core muscles

Stand with your feet apart, hands resting on your hips, both legs turned out to a 45-degree angle.

Stand with your feet apart, hands resting on your hips, both legs turned out to a 45-degree angle. (Charles Bush)

Good Form

Strengthen your lower body and core muscles as you stretch each side of your waist with this move. Try to create space between each of your ribs so even if you can't touch the floor, you'll still feel a full side-body stretch.

Stand with your feet about 3 to 31/2 feet apart, with your hands resting on your hips and both legs turned out to a 45-degree angle. Bend your knees until your hips are at knee level. Line up your knees over your ankles and lift your chest, relaxing your shoulders down and away from your ears.

Focus on maintaining equal weight over your legs as you slowly tilt your torso to your left. Bring your left arm in front of your inner thigh and stretch your fingertips toward the floor. Raise your right arm directly above your right shoulder. Use your left arm to press your left thigh backward. Be sure both knees stay above your ankles. Pause, then return to center and bend to the other side. Repeat three times on each side.

Voight is the creator of a line of fitness DVDs, including "Sleek Essentials."